Former Iron Maiden vocalist Paul Di’Anno has died at the age of 66, as announced [1] by his family on Monday.
Paul Andrews, known professionally as Paul Di’Anno, passed away at his home in Salisbury, Wiltshire.
In a statement, Conquest Music, representing Di’Anno’s family, confirmed his death, stating, “On behalf of his family, Conquest Music are sad to confirm the death of Paul Andrews, professionally known as Paul Di’Anno. Paul passed away at his home in Salisbury at the age of 66.”
Monday 21st October 2024
We are all deeply saddened to learn about the passing of Paul Di’Anno earlier today. Paul’s contribution to Iron Maiden was immense and helped set us on the path we have been travelling as a band for almost five decades. His pioneering presence as a… pic.twitter.com/pqskpLPBwc [2]
— Iron Maiden (@IronMaiden) October 21, 2024 [3]
Born on May 17, 1958, in Chingford, East London, Di’Anno gained fame as the lead singer of the iconic heavy metal band Iron Maiden from 1978 to 1981.
He was instrumental in the band’s early success, providing vocals for their groundbreaking self-titled debut album, “Iron Maiden,” released in 1980, and its influential follow-up, “Killers,” in 1981.
Di’Anno left Iron Maiden shortly after the release of “Killers” and was succeeded by current lead vocalist Bruce Dickinson.
Following his departure from Iron Maiden, Di’Anno had a diverse and eventful career, performing with bands such as Battlezone and Killers, in addition to releasing several solo albums and making guest appearances.
Despite facing severe health issues in recent years that confined him to a wheelchair, he continued to entertain fans globally, performing over 100 shows since 2023. His career retrospective album, “The Book of the Beast,” was released in September 2024, featuring highlights from his recordings post-Iron Maiden.
The statement from Conquest Music acknowledged Di’Anno’s significant impact on the music industry, stating, “Conquest Music are proud to have had Paul Di’Anno in our artist family and ask his legion of fans to raise a glass in his memory.”
Di’Anno’s struggles with substance abuse were well-documented. He left Iron Maiden in 1981, citing a crippling addiction to cocaine as a major factor.
In a previous interview, he reflected on his drug use, saying, “It wasn’t just that I was snorting a bit of coke; I was just going for it non-stop 24 hours a day every day. The band had commitments piling up, and I just couldn’t see my way to the end of it.”
The news of Di’Anno’s death comes just weeks after Iron Maiden announced plans for a 50th-anniversary tour, which features the current lineup of Bruce Dickinson, Steve Harris, Dave Murray, Adrian Smith, Nicko McBrain, and Janick Gers.
The tour, starting May 27 in Budapest, Hungary, will include performances in 27 stadiums, festivals, and arenas across Europe.
In a statement regarding the upcoming tour, Bruce Dickinson expressed excitement for the celebration of the band’s legacy, stating, “Next year is a very special one for Iron Maiden, and we’re going to be giving our fans a once-in-a-lifetime live experience. This is a tour that’s gonna put a smile on your face and a cheer in your throat.”
The tour will also feature five shows in the UK and Ireland, including performances in Birmingham, Manchester, Glasgow, and outdoor shows in Dublin and London.
Dickinson encouraged both longtime fans and newcomers to experience the band’s electrifying performances, declaring, “If you’ve never seen us before, then what the hell have you been waiting for? Now’s your chance to find out what you’ve been missing! Iron Maiden’s definitely gonna get ya!”
Fans and fellow musicians alike are mourning the loss of Paul Di’Anno, whose contributions to heavy metal music will not be forgotten.